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SRES 3 · 119th CongressAdopted
A resolution to elect Charles E. Grassley, a Senator from the State of Iowa, to be President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States.
Latest updateJan 3, 2025
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Congress
Sponsor
John Thune
Introduced
January 3, 2025
Latest action
January 3, 2025
Legislative Progress
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Latest Action
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6; text: CR S6)
Plain-Language Summary
AI GeneratedThe President pro tempore of the Senate is the second-highest-ranking officer in the legislative branch, serving as the Senate's presiding officer when the Vice President is absent. This position has existed since the founding of the Senate and is filled through a formal resolution voted on by all senators. The role carries significant ceremonial and procedural authority, including the ability to recognize senators seeking to speak and to break ties on procedural matters. Traditionally, the position goes to the longest-serving member of the majority party, though the Senate retains the constitutional power to elect any sitting senator to the office.
This resolution directs the Senate to elect Charles E. Grassley, a Republican senator from Iowa, as President pro tempore of the Senate. The election occurs through a simple majority vote on the resolution itself. Grassley, first elected to the Senate in 1980, is the longest-serving Republican senator at the time of this resolution's passage in January 2025. The resolution formalizes the Senate's choice through the constitutional process outlined in Article I of the Constitution, which grants the Senate the power to elect its own officers.
The resolution takes effect immediately upon passage and agreement by the Senate. No additional funding or implementation timeline is required, as the position and its duties are already established under Senate rules and constitutional authority. Grassley assumes the title and responsibilities of President pro tempore, which include presiding over Senate sessions, maintaining order during debates, and serving in the presidential line of succession. The election does not affect existing Senate operations, committee assignments, or legislative procedures, though it does formally establish the Senate's leadership structure for the 119th Congress.
Key Provisions
- 1Elect Charles E. Grassley, a Senator from Iowa, to serve as President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States.
- 2Establish Grassley's authority to preside over Senate sessions and exercise the procedural powers associated with the office of President pro tempore.
★ Why this matters
The President pro tempore becomes the second person in the presidential line of succession, after the Vice President. The office carries formal procedural authority over Senate operations, including the power to recognize speakers and manage floor debate. This election formally establishes the Senate's leadership structure for the 119th Congress and clarifies the chain of command for legislative operations.
● Who this affects
Charles E. Grassley, the newly elected President pro tempore, gains expanded procedural authority within the Senate. All 100 U.S. senators are affected by the establishment of formal leadership hierarchy. The Vice President's office is affected insofar as the President pro tempore becomes the designated successor. The general public is indirectly affected through changes in how the Senate conducts its legislative business and maintains order during proceedings.
Bill Text
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<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 3
To elect Charles E. Grassley, a Senator from the State of Iowa, to be
President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 3, 2025
Mr. Thune submitted the following resolution; which was considered and
agreed to
RESOLUTION
To elect Charles E. Grassley, a Senator from the State of Iowa, to be
President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States.
Resolved, That Charles E. Grassley, a Senator from Iowa, be, and he
is hereby, elected President of the Senate pro tempore.
<all>